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This review does not represent the opinions of the general public. It reflects my personal thoughts and opinions on the book.
That said, on to the review!
By the year 2099, the world is quickly descending into hell on earth. Christ's Second Coming, once predicted to be at the turning of the previous century, will soon take place and the turning of the 21st century. What's more, Christianity has conquered the entire world, spreading its power through government, entertainment, and law-enforcement. For Juan Bautista Lorca, it is the only life he's every known. But as the clock winds down towards the 22nd century, suicide attempts have risen, and for a member of the SPCA (no, not the one about animals) like Juan, it means more and more pressure to resurrect the fallen so they'll be there for the Second Coming. Events in his personal and professional lives, however, soon forces Juan to reconsider his stance on what is good and Christian and what is good and right. Before the end of the world (or so the leaders of the world anticipate), Juan will walk hand-in-hand with the devil and hand-in-hand with the new Messiahs. Can one troubled and confused young man find the right path to follow before it is too late, for him and for the world?
Soulsaver isn't the kind of book I'd ordinarily read. Being completely neutral religion-wise, I have to admit that I found all the talk about Christianity was oppressing and distracting. I'd much rather read a book where religion doesn't so totally smother the personal conflicts of people whom authors make dear to us, with religion poviding a reasonable background that supports, rather than overshadows and overpowers, the main plot. On the other hand, this book was a rather interesting read. I'll say this, at least: I may not be a devout Christian, but the author has done an excellent job of emphasizing what he feels to be the most important aspects of not only religion but merely living, something that I think the entire world--not merely Christians, but the followers of all religious belief systems--might need a good, strong, long lesson in.
Other than the extensive Biblical references, the plot premise was rather effective. Viewing a world gone to ruin made the basic premise more forceful, more powerful. The parallels drawn between that different characters and those who surrounded Jesus during his lifetime were likewise effective. And the application of new technology to preserve life was a wonderful added bonus that showed that at least the new Christian leaders of the world didn't completely reject that advances made in science, as some cults have done in the past. The most prominent thing that I disliked was the continual usage of lingo like "Sally Silly" or "Tommy Trouble" or "Howie Happy." I can understand the reasoning behind developing a new fad among the future's young people, but this one was just much too overwhelming and insidious.
I'll be honest: Soulsaver is not for everyone. If you are a devout Christian and don't like anyone criticizing your religion, then don't read this book. If you are a genre fiction fan who doesn't like religion governing every aspect of the plot you read, then don't read this book. If you are a reader under the age of eighteen (fifteen at the least, to my mind), then don't read this book as the subject matter may be too mature for you. BUT...if you have an open mind, are willing to set aside your own personal prejudices and adopt a "willing suspension of disbelief" towards what you read, enjoy reading stories about the conflicts of good and evil, and are mature enough to handle some B.G.G. (blood, guts, and gore) and some sexual content, then this is a book you should definitely look into. Just be a responsible reader, all right? Don't say I didn't warn you!
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